Even if it’s still unseasonally warm going into October, there’s already signs of the fall spirit around town, with both Halloween and Dia De Los Muertos events already on tap, highlighting another cross-cultural mix of things to do.
For example, giving us an early start is a binational showcase, San Diego-Tijuana International Jazz Festival, or SDTJ Jazz for short, which opens tonight with a show at the Quartyard downtown (1301 Market St. #3) with doors opening at 5 p.m. Events in Tijuana follow on Friday and Sunday, with an all-day event on Saturday at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido (340 N. Escondido Blvd.) that opens with a free performance at 2 p.m. by Charlie Chávez y su Afrotruko.
Saturday’s show will also include performances by TKTKTKTK inside the center, with tickets costing between $54 and $90, including fees.
Also of note, not just for this weekend, but the whole month: Starting today kids 12 and under pay no admission for the month of October at more than 70 museums and venues around both San Diego and Tijuana, including the San Diego Natural History Museum, Legoland, Centro Cultural de la Raza and Tijuana’s CECUT Cultural Center. A full list of venues, as well as coupons to download and score free admission, can be found at the San Diego Museum Council’s website.
Friday, Oct. 2
Del Mar Wine & Food Festival: Technically the festival kicked off on Wednesday night, with more events over the weekend; Friday morning will bring a celebrity pickleball tournament at the Barnes Tennis Center (4490 W Point Loma Blvd.) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with tickets ranging from $125 just to attend, up to $500 or $600 if you’d like to play with a celebrity guest or pro athlete, respectively.
On Saturday and Sunday, the festival will hold its grand tasting at the Surf Sports Park on the Del Mar Fairgrounds (14989 Via de la Valle), with tickets ranging from $185 to $435 both days. Buying the top price VIP tickets for Saturday’s event gets you in earlier than even the $235 Early Entry ticket.
Dia De Los Muertos – Let’s Craft Together: The San Diego Craft Collective will host this special event for anyone looking to put something together for Dia De Los Muertos, which follows Halloween on the calendar and is more about remembering loved ones than going out for candy. This free tutorial will be held at the SDCC’s Liberty Station studio (2590 Truxtun Road, Studio 106), and organizers are asking visitors to RSVP and consider a $15 donation.
La Mesa Oktoberfest: La Mesa Village (8111 Orange Ave.) is set for its 53rd celebration of Bavaria, which kicks off at 4 p.m. on Friday and concludes at 8 p.m. on Sunday night – three days of beer gardens, live music, a Kinder Village, and local vendors. No cost to attend, but parking will be limited, so organizers recommend using public transportation if possible.
Saturday, Oct. 3
Deepotsav – Festival of Lights: The San Diego Indian Society, in collaboration with the House of India at Balboa Park and the nonprofits Ekal Vidyalaya and Sewa International, presents this celebration of Diwali at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion (1549 El Prado) from 4:30-10 p.m. with dance performances, a lighting of diyas and a live performance based around the Ramayana. Tickets will cost $15 at the door.
Discover Ukraine 2026: The Slavic Refugee & Immigrant Services Organization presents this cultural celebration featuring local business owners who came to the US after being displaced by the Russian war against their birthplace, as well as live music and food vendors.
The free event will be held at Liberty Station’s central promenade (2751 Dewey Road) from noon to 6 p.m.
North Park Book Fair: After being cancelled last year, this free event makes its return as part of the monthly North Park Community Fair series; appropriately, Verbatim Books (3793 30th St.) will be the place to be for bookworms from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Taste of North Park: While you’re in the area, in fact, you’ll also have the chance to sample more than 50 food vendors and sip from at least 15 beverage vendors from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets start at $50 to only sample food with a $65 option for visitors 21 and up who want to get some sips in, and an $85 shareable ticket which covers two sip cups plus food-tasting access.
Sunday, Oct. 4
Carlsbad Super Hero Obstacle Race: What better time to suit up, right? The city is inviting any and all heroes to don their kits and head to Alga Norte Community Park (6565 Alicante Road) to practice against obstacles in this 2k run starting at 8 a.m., with groups of runners getting their crack at the course every 10 minutes. The registration fee is $33 for heroes ages 4 and up looking to take part.
Party With A Purpose: The non-profit group Pathways to Citizenship, which provides legal assistance to immigrants in North County, will host this fundraising event at the La Valle Coastal Club in Rancho Santa Fe (5690 Cancha de Golf) from 3 p.m. until sunset, featuring live music, tropical-themed food and beverages and the chance to bid on and win original artwork while also meeting people who have benefitted from the group’s services. Tickets cost $140.
Poway Fall Festival: The local Chamber of Commerce invites you to come enjoy more than 200 vendors as well as a beer garden, a car show and live entertainment from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Midland Road between Poway Road & Hilleary Place. Attendance is free, but organizers do encourage visitors to carpool or walk to the event to reduce congestion around the area.
San Diego Family Fun Fest Halloween: The folks at San Diego Family Magazine will host their own free event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Salvation Army Kroc Center in Rolando Heights (6845 University Ave.) with family-friendly vendors, trick-or-treating and costume contests, as well as a raffle for the little ones. “Creepy, cute, creative or completely original” costumes encouraged.
Wheelchair Dancers Organization Showcase: This non-profit group, which offers dance classes to people at every level of mobility, will host its 18th event spotlighting not only its own members but special guest performers at the Champion Ballroom Academy in Clairemont Mesa (4255 Ruffin Road #200).
Doors open at 11 a.m. with the show running from noon to 3 p.m. Tickets range from free to $20.
